29/10/2024
‘SCUBASURERO’ bags ATOP-DOT PEARL AWARDS 2023
The city government of Alaminos under the steady leadership of Mayor Arth Bryan C. Celeste, through City Tourism Officer Miguel L. Sison, proudly received the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines, Inc. - Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT) Pearl Awards 1st Runner up for its “SCUBASURERO” Program during the ATOP National Convention held last Friday at Farm Convention Center in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.
SCUBASURERO was hailed as the country’s second-Best Practice for Sustainable Tourism this year. This is in recognition of LGU-Alaminos’ bold initiatives and continued efforts in spearheading regular underwater collection of garbage and debris including coral predators at the city’s pride, the Hundred Islands National Park, as well as beach, island and coastal clean-up drives.
The latest national award is likewise another testament to the shared leadership of Mayor Celeste and Vice Mayor Jan Marionne R. Fontelera in not only championing marine biodiversity that benefits the whole community but also in sustaining the city’s unique, inclusive and sustainable tourism practices that have strong community impact.
With the said recognition, the city government is also setting standard and inspiring the city’s fisherfolks as well as all other coastal towns and cities in the country to also take the lead in ensuring the proper sustainable management of their marine resources.
Last year, the city government bag five national awards namely 2nd Runner-up Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Unit, Best Program for Culture and the Arts (Hundred Islands Film Festival, Best Sports Tourism Event (Barkadahan), Best Tourism Gift Non-Food Category (Engineered Kawayan), and Best Tourism Gift-Food (Alaminos Longganisa).
In 2019, Alaminos City become Region 1’s first ever Grand Winner in the Pearl Awards' Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Unit (City Category).